Early in 2018, volunteer fire departments in Callander and Nipissing Township will combine and operate as one.
Fire Chief Todd Daley says combining the fire departments currently located in the two municipalities is all about being more efficient and providing quicker and more robust coverage in the area.
Daley is quick to point out that these are not cost-cutting measures. The budgets of both departments will combine and there will be no drop in service levels. Daley says that there will be savings, or efficiencies, in other areas. He uses an example of both departments requiring a new tanker but after the merger, one tanker will cover their needs, at a savings of nearly $350,000.
Daley, who acts as Chief for both departments, says the move was the next natural progression for the volunteer departments. One of the two existing Callander stations, located on Highway 654, is considered redundant with the addition of the Nipissing Township station and will be phased out of service.
The proximity of the two municipalities makes this a fit, says Daley. In the past, a call bordering both locations would only be responded to by members of one or the other department. Daley says this move to bring all of the volunteer firefighters under one umbrella will allow for all hands on deck if need be, no matter where the emergency occurs geographically.
